Transverse Myelitis

CORE Program Focus Areas

Functional Electrical Stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is considered to be an effective method by multiple qualified researchers in the field to reduce the risk of secondary medical complications caused by a spinal cord injury and enhance cardiovascular responses. In addition to benefits such as reversed muscle atrophy, increased circulation, maintained or increased joint range of motion, reduced spasticity, reduced incidence of urinary and bladder infections, osteoporosis prevention and cardiovascular health there is also research being done to determine what occurs in the spinal cord in regards to nervous system repair during a functional electrical stimulation (FES) session.

“The results (of studies like these) raise the exciting possibility that in addition to the physical and rehabilitative benefits of functional electrical stimulation (FES), FES may offer a pragmatic approach to augmentation of spontaneous repair and perhaps recovery of neurological function.” (Becker et. al., 2010)

CORE offers the latest in functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology, and a variety of FES Program options.

Range of Motion/Flexibility Training

The ability to move freely to and from places is often taken for granted. For the individual who has sustained any injury, maintaining flexibility is important when seeking to avoid pressure sores, pain or injury. In doing so, joint contractures are prevented and the integrity of the joint maintained.

Balance Training

The name ‘CORE’ literally comes from our repeated mantra that a strong core is essential. The core is what stabilizes the entire neuromusculoskeletal system. All clients benefit from balance and proprioception exercises. This involves purposely creating instability, which forces the body to react and therefore strengthens the supporting muscles and reinforces the neural component. Balance training can help increase function, reduce reaction times to prevent injury and increase positional awareness.

Postural Correction

In addition to balance training, posture is also important to stabilizing the neuromusculoskeletal system. Poor posture, often a result of sitting in a wheelchair, sets up and exacerbates muscle imbalances, causing pain and fatigue. Core strengthening exercises and proper postural alignment will be utilized during every aspect of the CORE treatment program for all clients to allow for an optimal workout and to increase function and safety while decreasing pain.

Whole Body Vibration Training

Whole body vibration (WBV) training is implemented through the use of a vibrating platform on which static poses are held or dynamic exercises are performed. Whole body vibration (WBV) training stimulates muscle spindle fibers, creating a reflexive signal to the spinal cord causing muscles to contract or relax, regardless of spinal cord injury (SCI). It is essentially a way to exercise without the need for incredible endurance, which benefits some of our quadriplegic clients who may fatigue at a quicker rate.

The reported effects of whole body vibration (WBV) training within the neurorehabilitation field led the the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami to conduct a pilot study that concluded whole body vibration (WBV) training improves walking function in individuals with spinal cord injury.

More and more studies are looking at whole body vibration, its’ cellular effects and what clinical conditions best respond to this type of therapy. Studies have already shown whole body vibration can increase balance and mobility, increase bone density, increase range of motion and increase plyometric muscle strength, as well as reduce postural sway.

Muscular Strength and Endurance Training

CORE incorporates muscular strength and endurance training into every program for a spinal cord injury client to promote functional gains, build muscle mass and increase independence, which also improves the overall quality of life.

Cardiovascular Training

Cardiovascular conditioning, regardless of injury, is essential to maintaining a healthy heart muscle and to having the endurance to meet daily activity needs. CORE incorporates interval training for an effective and efficient aerobic workout.

Why choose CORE?

"The atmosphere is electric with positive, active people; both staff and clients. You immediately sense that you have entered a special place full of people building a tomorrow for themselves." -Nick V.

"I love the trainers! They make CORE such a fun environment to work out in and always make me look forward to going there!" - Alissa P.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The mission of the CORE Foundation is to Provide needed financial support and education for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions to participate in an activity-based recovery program.